If you’re looking to invest in physical gold, one of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to buy gold coins or gold bars.
The difference might seem purely aesthetic. Bars are rectangular, coins are round.
In reality, gold coins and gold bars serve distinct roles in a diversified precious metals portfolio. For example, bars are preferred for larger investments and cost efficiency, while coins offer flexibility, recognizability, and often a touch of history.
In practice, many investors choose to hold both.
In this article, we’ll explore the difference between gold coins and gold bars (their form, cost, liquidity, and purpose) to help you decide which best suits your investment goals.